DHX Media, a key player internationally in the creation of content for families and children, has entered into an agreement to acquire Vancouver-based Nerd Corps Entertainment Inc. and its subsidiaries for approximately $57 million. The transaction is anticipated to close by 24 December, 2014.
The acquisition increases DHX’s operating leverage, adding Nerd Corps’ animation studio in Vancouver, BC, which features five lines of production, as well as Nerd Corps’ interactive apps, gaming expertise, and licensing opportunities with Nerd Corps’ brands. The transaction brings more than 200 half hours of proprietary children’s content to DHX’s library, including the hit comedy adventure series, Slugterra, which has been broadcast in more than 150 countries and is one of the most popular titles on Disney XD in both Canada and the US. The deal includes licensing and distribution rights for all proprietary Nerd Corps series. The acquisition will increase DHX’s staff level in Vancouver from approximately 300 to 700 personnel.
Nerd Corps co-founder Asaph “Ace” Fipke will be joining the DHX Contentteam in the role of Chief Content Officer, Kids & Family, reporting to DHX President and Chief Operating Officer, Steven DeNure; and Nerd Corps President, Ken Faier, will come on board at DHX Contentas Senior VP and General Manager, Kids & Family.
Steven DeNure, President and COO of DHX Media, said: “Nerd Corps has an outstanding reputation and track record for high-quality animation, and we believe this is a perfect fit for DHX Media – one that will add significant value and expertise. We look forward to having Ace, Ken the rest of the Nerds on our team.”
Ace Fipke, CEO and co-founder of Nerd Corps, stated: “We are very proud of the way we have developed brands and produced content at Nerd Corps having worked with some of the great children’s brands and companies in the industry. Combining our forces with DHX allows us to continue building compelling content for kids and families around the world.”
Founded in 2002, Nerd Corps has grown from a small operation in downtown Vancouver, BC, to a team of approximately 400 artists, storytellers and management professionals. The company is noted for its highly creative vision that generates entertainment experiences for children that reach across platforms, from television to mobile, online, toys and more. Nerd Corps’ Vancouver animation studio produces and distributes a diverse slate of award-winning original properties, including Endangered Species, Kate & Mim-Mim, League of Super Evil, Rated A for Awesome, Slugterra, and Storm Hawks.Nerd Corps has also produced award-winning animation as a third-party service provider for some of the top children’s brands globally.
